Barefoot Skateboarders
Barefoot Skateboarders by Rina Singh, published by Orca Book Publishers in September 2024, is a children’s book that explores the transformative impact of skateboarding in a remote village in Northern India. The story follows Ramkesh, a young boy who discovers a new world of excitement and community when a construction project introduces skateboarding to his village. As he learns to ride and perform tricks, he invites others, including his sister, to join in, fostering a sense of unity and joy among the children.
Readers will find a narrative that highlights themes of friendship, social skills, and cultural exploration. The book illustrates how skateboarding not only brings the children together but also opens doors for them to travel and share their experiences, ultimately leading to a brighter future for their community. With 32 pages of engaging content, this edition is presented in English and captures the essence of growth and connection in a changing world.
Official synopsis Publisher
The remote village of Janwaar in Northern India has been the same for a long time, with the community strictly divided into castes. It’s a quiet village… until the construction project begins.
Ramkesh can’t tell what it will be–it’s all ramps and hills. When it’s done, he sees kids playing on it, on strange boards with wheels… Soon, he’s invited to try, and he’s hooked–practicing tricks and soaring on his skateboard. At first, it’s all boys, but Ramkesh invites his sister, and other girls join too. Word gets out that the tiny village is a hotbed of skateboarding talent, and people flock from all over to see it, and to teach the kids new tricks. Ramkesh and his friends even get invited to travel, gaining the first-ever passports for their village. But most important, they come back home to tell of their journeys…and to lead the way for Janwaar into the future, with a newfound sense of joy and unity.
Available in French as Les planchistes aux pieds nus.
Praise for Rina Singh
★”A very wise book, speaking volumes…Share this at story hours, or hand it to the child struggling to read; this communicates essential truths without a word. Marvelous.”–School Library Journal, starred review for Once, a Bird
★”This sweet, understated story is wordless–a perfect way to tell it, as it requires youngsters to relate to the illustrations in a unique, profoundly personal way…Refreshing, beautiful, moving, and meaningful.”–Kirkus Reviews, starred review for Once, a Bird
★”With cinematic fluidity, Dion’s marvellous watercolor, gouache, and digital illustrations evocatively convey Singh’s thoughtful wordless narrative…This multilayered wordless picture book has much to say about nature, renewal, and resiliency.”–Booklist, starred review for Once, a Bird
★ “[A] tender tribute to the Hindu holiday of Holi…A joyful hybrid of concept book, holiday title, and portrait of familial love.”
-Publishers Weekly, starred review for Holi Colors
★ “Singh celebrates Holi, the Hindu festival of colors and love, and highlights six colors in this vibrant, playful board book…The sheer joy of the event comes through on nearly every page…Communicating the universal concept of color within the specific celebration of Holi, this gem deserves a place in every child’s book bag.”
– Kirkus Reviews, starred review for Holi Colors
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